NBA Schedule Released for 2024 Season: Key Matchups, Highlights, and Special Dates
The NBA has officially unveiled its schedule for the 2024 season, and it’s packed with exciting games and notable events from the very start. From championship celebrations to intense rivalries, fans have plenty to look forward to. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the highlights.
Opening Night: Celtics vs. Knicks
The 2024 NBA season kicks off with a bang on October 22, as the Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks. This game isn’t just any regular season opener—Boston will be celebrating their recent championship win, with the team receiving their rings and unveiling their 18th championship banner. The Knicks, long-time rivals, will be present for what promises to be a night full of emotion and energy at TD Garden.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Also on opening night, the Minnesota Timberwolves will visit the Los Angeles Lakers. This matchup is set to feature a reunion of Olympic gold medalists, with Timberwolves’ rising star Anthony Edwards going head-to-head against Lakers’ legends LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This game is highly anticipated, not only for the star power on display but also for the intense competition between these Western Conference teams.
The NBA Cup and the Remaining Schedule
Of the 1,230 total games in the season, 1,200 were announced as part of this schedule release. The remaining 30 games will be determined in December, based on the outcomes of the NBA Cup. The tournament schedule, released earlier this week, includes key matchups such as Klay Thompson’s return to Golden State, this time as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.
International Games and Special Matchups
The NBA continues its tradition of taking games global, with several international matchups announced. On November 2, Miami Heat will face Washington Wizards in Mexico City, offering fans in Latin America a chance to see NBA action live. In January, the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers will play a home-and-home series in Paris. These games will be particularly special as Spurs’ star and France native Victor Wembanyama takes center stage in his home country.
Christmas Day Quintuple-Header
One of the most exciting days on the NBA calendar is Christmas Day, and this year’s lineup does not disappoint. The day begins with Victor Wembanyama leading the San Antonio Spurs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Following that, the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers face off against the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers meet the Golden State Warriors, and the Denver Nuggets battle the Phoenix Suns.
This Christmas Day marks the first appearance for the Spurs since 2016 and the Timberwolves since 2017. Notably, the Milwaukee Bucks will miss out on a Christmas game for the first time in seven seasons.
All Teams in Action
The 2024 season will feature four nights where all 30 NBA teams are in action. The first of these nights is November 4, where games will start every 15 minutes from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. EST, ensuring non-stop basketball action for fans. Other dates where all teams play include February 12, April 11 (the second-to-last day of the regular season), and April 13 (the final day of the regular season).
Election Day and Other Key Off Days
For the third consecutive year, the NBA will observe Election Day as a day without games. On November 5, the league will encourage fans and the broader NBA community to vote and engage in the civic process. The NBA will also highlight the civic engagement work of teams across various markets on this day.
Other scheduled off days include November 28 (Thanksgiving), December 24 (Christmas Eve), February 17-19 (the break following All-Star weekend), and April 12. Additionally, depending on how the NBA Cup semifinals play out, there could be another off day in December.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matchups
On January 20, the NBA will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a slate of seven games. These matchups include Dallas Mavericks at Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons at Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves at Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns at Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics at Golden State Warriors, and Utah Jazz at New Orleans Pelicans. Memphis, the city where Dr. King was assassinated, will once again host a game on this holiday—a tradition for 22 of the last 23 seasons.
Kevin Durant’s Return to College
In a nostalgic twist, Kevin Durant will have the opportunity to play at least one more game at his college alma mater. The San Antonio Spurs will play two games in Austin, Texas, this season—February 20 against Durant’s Phoenix Suns and February 21 against the Detroit Pistons. Durant, who played one season at the University of Texas, will return to the city where he became a college basketball legend.
LeBron James’ 40th Birthday
This season marks LeBron James’ 22nd in the NBA, tying him with Vince Carter for the league’s longevity record. As he approaches his 40th birthday on December 30, the NBA has scheduled a rare break for the superstar. The Los Angeles Lakers will play at home on December 28 against Sacramento (LeBron’s first NBA opponent) and then again on December 31 against Cleveland (his first NBA team). With no game on his actual birthday, LeBron can enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Intuit Dome’s Grand Opening
October 23 will be a historic day for the Los Angeles Clippers as they play their first official game inside the brand-new Intuit Dome. Their opponents? The Phoenix Suns, ensuring the inaugural game in this state-of-the-art arena will be one to remember. For decades, the Clippers shared an arena with the Los Angeles Lakers, often playing home games on the same day. However, with the new facility, the Clippers will have their own space, although both teams will still play at home simultaneously on several occasions.
Super Bowl Sunday Schedule
The NBA ensures that its games don’t overlap with the biggest day in American sports: Super Bowl Sunday. On February 9, the day of the NFL’s championship game, the NBA will schedule three games early in the day. Charlotte Hornets will visit Detroit Pistons at 1 p.m., followed by Toronto Raptors at Houston Rockets at 2 p.m., and Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks at 2 p.m., ensuring all games conclude well before the Super Bowl kickoff.
NBA Finals Rematches
For fans eagerly awaiting a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals, mark your calendars for January 25 when the Boston Celtics travel to Dallas to face the Mavericks. The second meeting between these two powerhouses will take place on February 6 in Boston. Interestingly, this is the seventh consecutive season without an NBA Finals rematch on Christmas Day, a tradition that was common in previous years.
No. 1 Draft Pick Showdown
The NBA’s newest stars will have their moment to shine when the two most recent No. 1 draft picks face off. Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks will meet twice this season. The first game is set for December 19 in San Antonio, broadcast on TNT, with the second game in Atlanta on February 5, televised on ESPN. Both players, hailing from France, are expected to be key figures in the NBA’s future.
NCAA Title Game Day
Breaking with tradition, the NBA will not have a dark day on the same day as the NCAA men’s basketball championship game. On April 7, two NBA games will be played: Sacramento Kings at Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat. The men’s Final Four will be held in San Antonio this year, but the Spurs will be on the road after hosting Cleveland on April 4.
Final Day of the Regular Season
As always, the NBA will conclude its regular season with all 30 teams in action on April 13. Every game will start at either 1 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. EDT, ensuring a dramatic finish to the season. Each team will face an opponent from its own conference, with the exception of Toronto Raptors visiting San Antonio Spurs.
Looking Ahead to the NBA Finals
The 2024 NBA Finals are scheduled to begin on June 5. If the format follows previous years, Game 2 will likely be on June 8, Game 3 on June 11, Game 4 on June 13, and potential Game 7 on June 22. Fans can expect another thrilling postseason as the best teams in the league vie for the ultimate prize.
